Bahrain's Deputy PM chairs Infrastructure Development Commission meeting

Manama, Dec. 19 (BNA): Following the issuance by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa of Edict 42/2018 regarding the formation of the ministerial commissions and defining their specialties, Deputy Premier Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa chaired the Infrastructure Development Ministerial Commission’s first meeting in presence of its members. The meeting highlighted the goals of the commission in the light of its specified jurisdictions, work mechanisms, and priority strategic projects which the commission will follow up within the Government Action Plan (GAP2019-2022). During the meeting, Shaikh Khalid affirmed that the infrastructure development projects will work through three objectives to balance the current and future needs, to render the government’s aspirations through its action plan and Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 into real ground. Also, the government will boost the coordination of the ministries and directorates to boost the efficiency of utilities and infrastructures to complete the development of the construction sector in the manner that will contribute in the steady provision of investment-attractive environment and accelerating the momentum of socio-economic progress. He said that the commission focuses throughout the various stages of its work to provide ideal climate to engage and enable the private sector’s establishments to assume their pioneering role in the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and implement strategic projects solely or in partnership with the government as well as the provision and enhancement of services. The commission revises and develops the legal instruments and systems, coordination mechanisms, issuance of permits and licenses to ensure prompt performance, streamlining of procedures as well as enhancement of services provided to individuals and investors. The commission also builds on what was achieved in terms of its accredited achievements within the previous Government Action Plan (GAP2015-2028) namely the projects listed under the Gulf Development Plan that cover housing, roads, electricity, water, health, education and community facilities besides the food security dossier and follow up of construction permits, according to the deputy PM.